Q: A population of deer in a forest is estimated using the mark-recapture method. If 50 deer are marked and released, and later 200 deer are captured with 10 marked individuals among them, what is the estimated population size ($N$)? Use the formula $N = \frac{M \times C}{R}$, where $M$ is the number marked, $C$ is the total captured, and $R$ is the number recaptured.

$N = \frac{50 \times 200}{10} = 1000$

Q: A population of rabbits has an intrinsic rate of increase ($r$) of 0.2 per year and a current population size ($N$) of 500. What is the expected change in population size in one year under exponential growth? Use the equation $\Delta N = rN$.

$\Delta N = 0.2 \times 500 = 100$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of carrying capacity ($K$) in population ecology?

Accepted Answer

The maximum number of individuals that can be supported indefinitely by the resources available in a habitat.

Question 2

A population of deer in a forest is estimated using the mark-recapture method. If 50 deer are marked and released, and later 200 deer are captured with 10 marked individuals among them, what is the estimated population size ($N$)? Use the formula $N = \frac{M 	imes C}{R}$, where $M$ is the number marked, $C$ is the total captured, and $R$ is the number recaptured.

Accepted Answer

$N = \frac{50 	imes 200}{10} = 1000$

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a density-dependent factor affecting population growth?

Accepted Answer

Competition for food resources among individuals.

Question 4

In the logistic growth model, which equation describes the change in population size over time?

Accepted Answer

$\frac{dN}{dt} = rN \left(1 - \frac{N}{K}\right)$

Question 5

Which survivorship curve (Type I, II, or III) best describes a population in which most individuals survive to old age, such as humans in developed countries?

Accepted Answer

Type I

Question 6

A population of rabbits has an intrinsic rate of increase ($r$) of 0.2 per year and a current population size ($N$) of 500. What is the expected change in population size in one year under exponential growth? Use the equation $\Delta N = rN$.

Accepted Answer

$\Delta N = 0.2 	imes 500 = 100$

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why population growth slows as a population approaches its carrying capacity ($K$)?

Accepted Answer

Resources become limited, increasing competition and mortality rates.

Question 8

Which statement accurately describes the difference between exponential and logistic population growth?

Accepted Answer

Exponential growth occurs when resources are unlimited, while logistic growth accounts for resource limitation and carrying capacity.

Question 9

Which of the following is a trade-off commonly observed in life-history patterns?

Accepted Answer

High fecundity is often associated with low survivorship.

Question 10

A population of fish is experiencing emigration, density-dependent predation, and a decrease in available food. Which factor is density-independent?

Accepted Answer

A sudden drop in water temperature due to a cold front.

Question 11

Which equation would you use to calculate the per-capita rate of increase ($r$) in a population?

Accepted Answer

$r = b - d$

Question 12

Which of the following best describes a metapopulation?

Accepted Answer

A group of spatially separated populations of the same species that interact through migration.

Question 13

If a population pyramid for a country shows a broad base and a narrow top, what does this indicate about the population?

Accepted Answer

The population has a high birth rate and a young age structure.

Question 14

Which of the following would most likely result in zero population growth?

Accepted Answer

The birth rate equals the death rate.

Question 15

A population of insects has a net reproductive rate ($R_0$) of 1.2. What does this indicate about the population?

Accepted Answer

The population is increasing in size.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains the effect of habitat fragmentation on populations?

Accepted Answer

It can isolate populations, reduce gene flow, and increase the risk of local extinction.

Question 17

Which of the following is true about Type III survivorship curves?

Accepted Answer

Most individuals die young, but those that survive live long lives.

Question 18

A population of birds has a carrying capacity ($K$) of 800 and an intrinsic rate of increase ($r$) of 0.1. If the current population size ($N$) is 400, what is the expected change in population size according to the logistic growth equation $\frac{dN}{dt} = rN \left(1 - \frac{N}{K}\right)$?

Accepted Answer

$\frac{dN}{dt} = 0.1 	imes 400 \left(1 - \frac{400}{800}ight) = 0.1 	imes 400 	imes 0.5 = 20$

Question 19

Which factor would most likely cause a population to experience exponential growth?

Accepted Answer

Abundant resources and minimal competition.

Population Ecology: Structure, Growth, and Dynamics

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